Hey, Not sure if this should go here or in hair removal, sorry if it's in the wrong place.

I'm nowhere near getting on HRT at the moment. I do have (just about) enough money for a bout of laser hair removal on my face and chest (or maybe more extensive laser on either/or, depending on pricing/consultation) but I was wondering if it would be more sensible to wait until I'm on hormones.

What I mean to say is I'm fairly sure HRT will reduce body hair growth significantly (yes?) and that might reduce the potential cost and increase success of laser. What I would like to know is if anyone here can advise me on this issue.

Thanks for all your patience and help

Claire xoxo

I definately would NOT spend money on removing hair from anywhere except your face. I had a moderatey hairy chest and stomach and after only 8 months of HRT, there is no noticable hair left on my arms, back, chest and stomach. My pubic hair is definately getting a more female patern of growth and the hair on my legs is not near as thick and grows much more slowly. I can actually shave them without getting a rash now and they stay smooth for days.  I shaved my legs last night and just felt them and they are still baby smoothe.

Spend you money on your face right now and don't mess around with the IPL.  Do your research becasue prices can vary a LOT using the same equipment. I wouldn't pay in excess of $250-$300 per session on the face. I haven't started hair removal on my face yet but I have been to a few laser clinics for consults and done a lot of research.

I'm almost 4 months on hrt, and I need 4 days growth minimum for electrolysis. When I first started hrt, I only needed 1 day growth. My body hair hasn't diminished in thickness, but the hairs are now smaller and many of them are white/blonde (they used to be dark brown), so they're less visible.

Hair does diminish over time, although with everything YMMV. I would wait and only spend money removing facial hair for now.

Thanks for the help, all laser places near me I think charge roughly the same prices for equivalent treatments. The problem is they charge per session and the most highly recommended (by people I have spoken to) don't give prices online. You must go for a consultation and they tailor the price, Most others I have checked with rough price guides don't appear to offer the service of full (or even facial) beard removal.

I have quite sallow skin and black hair (and unfortunately I'm quite hirsute), my main concern would be that far down the line my chest hair would not completely stop growing. Not to put too fine a point on it but furry boobs are not something I want to experience. A worry for another day perhaps but if I can jump this early I would like to.
Unfortunately due to the economic realities of this type of treatment in a market as small as Ireland E300 for treatment for the face alone seems like the minimum, again not all places give prices online but I don't see it varying wildly (and that may not even include the neck)

Claire xoxo

Try this. Look up the different local laser clinics and set up a consultation with each one. Tell them exactly what you want and compare their prices, lasers and qualifications. Make sure you tell them that you are checking out x,y and z and that whoever has the best deal will get your business. Prices are negotiable because most of their equipment is sitting idle more than it's being used.

Don't rush into a decision. They will probably call or email you to follow up and may offer additional discounts. Just DO NOT commit to a CONTRACT or any of their high pressure sales tactics. Never, EVER purchase on the first visit! I had one place in Dallas, TX quote me almost $6,000 for just my face. It was unlimited sessions but still, that would be $500 per session if I had to do 12 sessions. 

Quote from: JessicaH on August 25, 2011, 07:17:37 PM
I had one place in Dallas, TX quote me almost $6,000 for just my face. It was unlimited sessions but still, that would be $500 per session if I had to do 12 sessions.

That's insanity!!  The place I go to charged me $650 for six sessions of full face, but unlimited $50 sessions if more were needed.  Now that I only need lip and chin, they charge me $25 per session.  Done 14 sessions so far and the technician cranked the laser up so high last time that I lost all of my eyeliner to teary eyes in 12 short bursts on my upper lip.   But it paid off: I just had dramatic improvement after that session and she's going to do the same setting again next week.  90% of my remaining lip hairs turned vellus, just like all the hairs on my cheeks and neck.

This spa I go to has four people there, one of whom I haven't had an appointment with.  Of the remaining three, two have done laser on me and all three have done electrolysis.  Not only are they all amazing, but their results speak for themselves.  I'd recommend the place to anyone in the Denver area.  HIGHLY recommend!

I started IPL last month on my face. The lady there said that with an anti androgen alone would make it a lot easier as it makes the hair follicles smaller. She also said that if I were to take an AA, that I shouldn't worry about treating any where else on my body.
I'm paying A$150 per session and sixth treatment for free.
A lot better then the $800 per session I had with the ruby laser I had in 1997 

Has anyone used IPL and had a good outcome? It's a much cheaper technology and I just haven't heard of any good results yet for facial hair.

Is lazer hair removal a  permanent thing for face hair?

I would just focus on face too. It can take a while to get ur results.....For me anyway....

IPL= Intense Pulsed Light, is not a Laser! IPL can deliver good results but Laser is better.

Laser hair removal is "supposed" to be permanent but...there are some factors involved such as Density of hair on your face, the color and thickness (darker and thicker is better), Fitzgerald Skin Type (lighter better), type Laser used/wavelength, number of treatments, and QUALITY of skin preparation for treatment (tight shave, skin exfoliated).

If you have light (blond, red, white or grey) hairs, consider Electrolysis instead, Laser will not remove those hairs, because they reflect the Laser energy, darker hair absorbs.

Face and neck first priority, it will take 4 - 8 treatments, approx. 8 weeks apart. Cost, you mentioned you are in Ireland, so its a little different than the USA, especially TEXAS, where due to a recent change in State Laws regulating LHR (Laser Hair Removal), the market is glutted and some places have shut their doors! In my case, I go to a large Medical School Dermatology Clinic for the LHR, has the latest gear, a very experienced RN that also has final say on the price, and can adjust accordingly.

From previous posts on Hair Removal, many say if you are getting Electrolysis, do it before starting HRT if possible, makes it easier to zap the hairs. As to side effects from HRT, no know contraindications or interactions known off. The only remote problem might be Melasma, but if you are not on HRT its not a problem anyway.

Bottom Line...shop around, a good LHR clinic or Salon will quote a price and might even have a Guarantee or Warranty. Look for a STABLE technician, one who will be there all the time (makes a big difference), avoid "package deals", better to "pay as you go".
Hope this helps.

If you find a technician you like, you can usually set up your own "package deal" with them anyway. I've got a good deal on electrolysis with my local place in Topsham for 6 hour sessions paid up front, works out at £33 per hour. They don't mind how I spread out the times, and they do laser as well (and are very trans-friendly). One of them in particular is a bit less "cautious" than the others and gets a lot done in that hour - ouch!

Thanks All this info is helping me out alot   Ya keep up the great work